Coleg Gwent Higher Education Guide for Applicants

HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE FOR

APPLICANTS

A UNIVERSITY LEVEL QUALIFICATION IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

WELCOME TO COLEG GWENT A university qualification is closer than you think…and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Our growing range of Higher Education courses means you can study university courses at all our campuses.

At Coleg Gwent we recognise that higher education is a sound investment in your future. Whether you want to gain an edge in the fiercely competitive job market, enhance your promotion prospects or, even chart a completely new career direction, we can help you to achieve your ambitions.

You can expect top quality teaching from our expert lecturers – they all have vast experience in their industry, so not only are you learning from the best, they can also give you great advice on how to go about starting your career. Most employers look for candidates with relevant work experience, but it’s often difficult to get your foot in the door. Studying with us will give you the competitive advantage as most of our HE courses

include work-related experience. So, as well as being able to put what you learn into practice in the relevant industry, it looks great on your CV! The application process is important, so this booklet should help you to understand some of the processes that are ahead of you along with what services, support and resources you can expect once you’re enrolled with us.

We hope that this is helpful and we look forward to meeting you, talking to you and answering any queries you may have.

Guy Lacey Principal

Apply online now at www.coleggwent.ac.uk/he

WHAT NEXT? 1

Start your Journey to gaining a University level qualification...

2 RESEARCH COURSES AND APPLY

ATTEND A COLEG GWENT OPEN EVENT Attend one of our open events and meet our specialist team!

Whether you want to discuss one of our higher education courses with our experienced tutors, learn more about financing your course or, take a look at our facilities and learn about college life – register now for one of our live virtual open events or our in-person open events on campus!

Depending on your chosen course, you may need to apply through UCAS, to the university accrediting your course or directly to Coleg Gwent – contact us to find out what you need to do.

Register now for one of our live virtual open events or our in-person open events on campus!

Visit our website to learn more www.coleggwent.ac.uk/open

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RECEIVE AND ACCEPT AN OFFER

ATTEND AN INTERVIEW You may be asked to attend an interview to discuss your application. If you applied through UCAS, your UCAS Track will be updated with the conditions of your offer. If you have applied via the College, the offer criteria will be the same.*

Unconditional: your place is guaranteed and not dependent on any conditions.

Conditional: you will need to meet certain criteria before you can enrol.

Changed course offer: the offer you receive from UCAS/College may be for a different course to the one you applied for originally. This means that you have been offered an alternative course since we are unable to offer you a place against your original choice.

5 APPLY FOR STUDENT FINANCE

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7 RESULTS DAY!*

*(You must be able to prove you hold the appropriate qualifications stipulated for admission to your programme. The university/college reserves the right to withdraw the offer of a place or to cancel registration if you are unable to prove, when requested, that you hold the appropriate qualifications.) *for those awaiting results.

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ENROL AND START YOUR COURSE!

STUDYING AT COLEG GWENT REASONS TO STUDY AT COLEG GWENT

Dedicated and inspiring staff Our inspiring lecturers have excellent up-to-date subject knowledge and extensive teaching experience as well as notable industry experience. Therefore, not only are you learning from the best, but they can give you good advice on how to find work when you graduate too. Our smaller class sizes mean you’ll receive excellent personal support from lecturing staff and from our dedicated support staff — and our local campuses are friendly and welcoming.

Get the Uni experience Our strong partnerships with the University of South Wales, Aberystwyth University, the University of Worcester, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Pearson means that you will have access to all the resources you need to succeed. If you successfully complete a course awarded by one of our partner universities, you’ll receive a certificate awarded by the university and you’ll be invited to a graduation ceremony.

We’re local You can save money on travel and accommodation and you won’t incur the cost of studying away from home. You’ll also have more time that could be spent with family, friends or at work.

Workplace experience Our courses usually involve learning in the workplace as well as at college, so you’ll get career-oriented skills and specific industry experience that employers look for, boosting your chances of finding your dream career.

Made for success More than half of our HE students top up their degree at our partner universities.

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It doesn’t have to cost the earth!

Some of our higher education courses are cheaper than those at universities, so you could be saving £££s.

Plenty of choice Our wide range of subjects and study options mean you can study full time or part time, to fit in with work or other commitments. Our Higher Education qualifications are professionally relevant and could give you the competitive edge, leading to increased earning potential, greater opportunities and a more rewarding career.

A FOCUS ON FINANCE A higher education course is an investment in your future and, whilst there are costs associated with learning, whether it’s time you invest or your tuition fees, you may be eligible for financial support which means it could cost less than you think.

When studying higher education, there will be two main costs – tuition fees and your living costs. However, there will be financial support available through loans (which you have to pay back) and grants/bursaries (which you don’t have to pay back).

Full time* Higher Education students Students studying their first higher education course, who normally live in Wales, can get a Tuition Fee Loan up to a maximum of £9,250, which isn’t based on your household income. In addition to this loan, you can get maintenance support to help with living costs.

Part time* Higher Education students A student studying in Wales can apply for a non-means tested fee loan of up to £2,625 to cover their annual fees. Students need to be studying at a minimum 25% intensity to be eligible.

Students are able to apply for annual living costs support for up to a maximum of £5,111.25. The amount of grant and loan you are awarded will be dependent on the number of hours you will be studying and your household income.

Applying for Funding You’ll need to apply for funding before starting your course; the sooner you do this the better and remember; you will have to reapply for funding every academic year.

You may be able to get extra funding if you have adults or children who are financially dependent on you.

Full details of all financial support and how to apply can be found on the Student Finance Wales website:

www.studentfinancewales.co.uk and Student Finance England website *Figures and information correct at time of print and may be subject to change. Please check the Student Finance Wales/England website for the latest information before you apply.

www.gov.co.uk/student-finance

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TEACHING AND LEARNING At Coleg Gwent , we are committed to delivering outstanding, research-supported teaching to help you reach your full potential.

Our courses have been developed by subject experts collaborating at the college and the partner organisations, so you will have the best learning experience possible.

How you’ll learn The staff involved in the delivery of your programme of study will draw on their academic and vocational experience to provide you with the most up to date and inspiring educational activities. During your course, you’ll experience a wide range of different types and styles of teaching and learning activities. These have been chosen to facilitate the most effective method for delivery of content and learning outcomes, examples of these are:

E-learning and technology Your main programme will be supported by a virtual learning environment which will provide access to learning resources to support your course, announcements, interactive revision work and pod casts, in addition to useful links to resources that will further support your programme.

You’ll also have access to a wide range of technologies that support your learning including interactive whiteboards, blogs, wikis and podcasts. *Depending on the validating body

Virtual and face-to-face lectures Seminars Workshops and group work Study groups Guest lectures & Educational Visits Discussion Forums

Our collaborative partners:

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WORK EXPERIENCE AND EMPLOYABILITY Coleg Gwent is a truly enterprising institution and we strive to create a range of engaging and enjoyable practical opportunities to improve your skills and to create new networks and connections.

Work experience can be undertaken during term time, holiday periods or as a year out during or after your HND/Foundation Degree/BSc Degree. We encourage all our learners to carry out some form of work experience during their course. Whether you are looking for a week, a term, or a year, there are plenty of options out there to suit your needs.

Community and volunteering There are lots of reasons for undertaking voluntary work and you can make a real difference in the community by volunteering with local organisations and community groups. You’ll get valuable and often life changing experiences as well as helping others, in addition to gaining an insight into an area of work or practical experience that further supports your studies.

Combining study with work There are lots of opportunities within the locality of the college for you to take a part time job alongside your studies.

Duke of Edinburgh Many young people find achieving a Duke of Edinburgh Award life-changing. A fun adventure and major challenge, three progressive Award levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) and a wide range of activities offer endless possibilities to anyone aged 14 to 24. Millions of young people in the UK have already taken part in the world’s leading youth achievement award – pushing personal boundaries, gaining new skills and enhancing their CVs and employment prospects.

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STUDENT LIFE AND ENRICHMENT There’s more to student life than what you learn in the classroom You’ll have lots of opportunities to make new friends, further develop your life skills, become more independent and gain qualifications and experience to improve your employability. Our enrichment programme, CG Extra, gives you the chance to learn something new or get further qualifications during your time with us.

Clubs and societies

Sports and fitness

Student awards

Get involved in clubs and societies where you can meet new friends and take part in activities with others who share the same interests. You can even join our drama and music clubs and take centre stage!

The College Campuses either have a gym or have strong links with local gyms, so you can get active through our weekly sport and fitness activities, or even represent the college in one of our sports teams.

Every year we celebrate student success at our award ceremonies. As memorable as they are uplifting, the awards recognise the hard work and achievements of students who stand out from the crowd and have gone the extra mile to reach their goals.

Graduate ceremonies will be hosted by our awarding partner universities.

I’ve always had a passion and a love for caring for animals so this course was perfect for me. Since graduating, I’ve started my own business as a locum Veterinary Nurse visiting practices when & where they need me.

ERIN WYATT Veterinary Nursing at Coleg Gwent Usk Campus Graduation ceremony at validating course provider, University of South Wales.

*Image provided by University of South Wales.

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EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY At Coleg Gwent, our core values promote respect and tolerance for all.

We’re determined to do everything we can to make sure our college is a place where everyone, staff or learner, feels safe and respected. We should all hold the expectation that a place of learning will be an inclusive place that has the potential to change peoples’ lives for the better.

NO JUDGEMENT

OUR DIVERSITY CHARTER

realise we are all different

APPRECIATE OTHERS’ VIEWS

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BEHAVIOURS MATTER

RESPECT FOR ALL

ACCEPT THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG

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SUPPORTING YOU ‘WELSH HWB’: WELSH LANGUAGE AND BILINGUAL STUDY SUPPORT

PERSONAL TUTORS

We have support at all of our campuses if you’d like to learn in Welsh or bilingually.

The ‘HWB Cymraeg’ offers information about the benefits of studying bilingually, one-to-one support to complete work in Welsh or bilingually, guidance on using apps to help with bilingual study and preparing for assessments through the medium of Welsh.

As a higher education learner you’ll receive individual support from a personal tutor from the moment you join Coleg Gwent. You will have regular tutorials and your tutor will closely monitor your progress and support you through your studies at college. Your tutor will help you settle into college, guide you through your course, offer support through any difficult times and celebrate successes.

ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS (ALN) Upon confirmation from Student Finance Wales/England, if you have a registered learning difficulty and/or a disability, we can provide lots of support.

This could include: In-class support from an Additional Support Assistant Extra sessions for help with assignments and coursework Help from a Communication Support Worker (for deaf students) Dyslexia support

HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION OFFICERS On each campus we have a Higher Education Progression Officer who will support you with academic and pastoral guidance throughout your programme of study.

Higher Education Progression Officers are dedicated to supporting you through any difficulty, which includes referral to our relevant specialist teams. Our support includes: Study skills Academic support Attendance issues Financial advice Dealing with stress and anxiety

HE HUBS At selected campuses you will find a dedicated space solely for our Higher Education learners with; computers, breakout areas and sofas for quiet study or unwinding. Why not take a tour of them at one of our open events?

OUR LIBRARIES Our on-campus libraries are a great place to study – you’ll have all your learning resources at your fingertips as well as books, journals, eBooks and DVDs. You can use PCs or connect your own device to our free Wi-Fi, and staff are on hand to help you find resources and access other services such as photocopying, laminating and binding.

Apply online now at www.coleggwent.ac.uk/he

Use of accessibility software including initial training Exam access arrangements If you need support you can talk to your Personal Tutor, contact the campus Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo) or the Higher Education Progression officer.

WE HEAR YOU At Coleg Gwent, we take your views and experiences on board and use these so that we can constantly improve learner experience. There are many ways you can tell us your feedback; class representative voice, learners forums, committees and groups, as well as learner feedback questionnaires.

OUR CAMPUSES

5 unique, local centres, 1 excellent learning experience.

To learn more about our campuses, or to take a 360 tour, take a look at our website:

www.coleggwent.ac.uk/campuses

GET IN TOUCH

Our Campuses offer state-of-the-art facilities to give you the best possible learning experience.

Great futures start at Coleg Gwent!

Online: www.coleggwent.ac.uk

From multi-faith prayer facilities and Costa Coffee, to professional media editing suites – our campuses are fully equipped!

Call us: 01495 333777

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Email: admissions@coleggwent.ac.uk

Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone

Follow us, we’re social!

Lime Avenue, Ebbw Vale Blaenau Gwent NP23 6GL

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City of Newport Campus

Blaenau Gwent

Nash Road Newport NP19 4TS

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Crosskeys Campus Risca Road Crosskeys Caerphilly NP11 7ZA

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Caerphilly Torfaen

Torfaen Learning Zone

Newport

St. Davids Rd Cwmbran NP44 1DF

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Monmouthshire

Usk Campus The Rhadyr Usk Monmouthshire NP15 1XJ

Cardiff

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NOTES:

Apply online now at www.coleggwent.ac.uk/he